WHAT IS DIAMOND BUDDHIST CENTRE, UK (DBC UK)?
Diamond Buddhist Centre, UK has multiple objectives which are reflected in the constitution of this organization.
Diamond word is taken from the Diamond Sutra (Sanskrit: Vajracchedikā Prajñāpāramitā, a Mahāyāna (Buddhist) Sũtra, to name this organization. Most Nepalese living in this area are follower of Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayāna, Mahāyāna).
The organization welcomes all sects of Gurus and lay practitioners to practice Buddhism in DBC UK. Keeping in view of the growing number of students and practitioners in the UK, it has been felt to establish a Buddhist Centre to organize routine practice of the faith in the South East region of London.
Diamond Buddhist Centre, UK was established on the 15th of March 2016 under the leadership of Mr. Sumal Kumar Gurung, Founder President of the Buddhist community living in the South East London area.
PRESENT TREND OF BUDDHISM PRACTICE.
As mentioned above, Buddhism in South East London has been practiced by many Buddhist followers since a decade ago in various venues after they permanently settled down in this locality. Under the management of community leaders from the Nepalese community, the Gurus (faith leaders) visiting the UK each year have been organizing religious events and half a dozen of religious events are conducted throughout a year.
LORD BUDDHA’S ANNIVERSARY AND PEACE RALLY.
Every year Lord Buddha Anniversary is observed with divine dedications by the community. Thousands of followers take part with the deepest faith. A peace rally by the Buddhist community has been organized for the last five years under the coordination of Mr. Sumal Kumar Gurung, President of Diamond Buddhist Centre UK.
THE FIRST NEPALI BUDDHIST TEMPLE IN LONDON AND ITS OBJECTIVE
Community practice of Buddhism in a temple means to cleanse the heart and mind to bring peace and love for all sentient beings to allow insight compassion from the reverend Gurus. It is anticipated that thousands of the practitioners shall be benefitted from the Buddhist Temple especially older and vulnerable practitioners. With the consistent efforts of the organization which managed to raise a fund to buy a Buddhist Temple in Woolwich town within Royal Borough of Greenwich.. On 25th Aug 2021, DBC UK made history by buying the first Nepali Buddhist temple in London. The temple aims to open for all walks of life for practice, study and perform the rituals. Since all the faiths have their churches, temples, and mosques, a Buddhist temple in this area shall motivate all the Buddhist followers. Its purpose is to provide a place for contemplation, study, and meditation and through this to help with the most important task of preserving and spreading Lord Buddha’s teachings in this rapidly changing world for the benefit of all sentient beings.
PRACTICE AND PLAN FOR THE FUTURE
As mentioned above, we have been practicing Buddhism in different venues i.e. vacant pubs, vacant school halls, and available churches on a rental basis. We have now our own permanent place of practice. We have already negotiated with other communities to support our aim. The faith leaders/trustees from other areas have also agreed to help us. DBC UK will preserve the faith, practice, and motivate all followers in the temple. Meditation is the signature of Buddhist philosophy. The practice will help to maintain good health, sound intellectuality to our coming generations through Buddhist philosophy. The organization will be systemized and harmonized as per the Buddha’s teachings and will invite the Buddhist scholars and priests to teach the faith.
